Chapter 3 Questions 1-20

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This works but it will be better in future to produce a Word Document and then uploading that into this page. That way everyone in the group can work on the paper itself.
Chapter 3 Questions

1. Why is clarity the ultimate goal of technical communications?
  • If you write a letter, email, report, manual, blog entry, or website that is unclear to your readers, problems can occur. Unclear technical communication can lead to missed deadlines, damaged equipment, inaccurate procedures, incorrectly filled orders, or danger to the end user.

2. How can you achieve clarity?
  • By supplying specific, quantified information. State your exact meaning through specific, quantified word usage (measurements, dates, monetary amounts). Avoid using vague, abstract adjectives or adverbs.

3. How will answering the reporter's questions help you achieve clarity?
  • When writing, answering the who, what, when, where, why, and how will make sure that you do not miss any details. When asked a question, answering the who, what, when, where, why, and how of that question ensures that you answered the question clearly and in detail.

4. Why should you avoid using acronyms, abbreviations, and jargon in your technical communication?
  • You should avoid using acronyms, abbreviations, and jargon simply because your audience may not understand them. If you use them, your technical communication loses clarity.

5. In what two places in a business document can you define a term?
  • Glossary
  • Conceptual model

6. Why should you strive for conciseness in your technical communication?

There are three reasons conciseness is key,
  • Saves time
  • Aids Clarity
  • Technology Demands

7. Why is a long paragraph ineffective in your business documents?
  • A long paragraph will only discourage your reader and keep them from reading the entire document

8. What is a fog index?
  • The fog index is Robert Gunning's mathmatical way of determining foggy writing. Fog index goes from 6-17, 6 being 6th grade level of reading and writing, to 17 which would be college graduate.
9. Why should you use shorter sentences?
  • Shorter sentences should be used because they help to eliminate foggy writing and are more concise.
10. What are three causes of wordy sentences?
  • Writing with Redundancies.
  • Using Camouflaged Words.
  • Using words that end in a "Shun" sound.
11. What are four proofreading tips?
  • Let someone else read it.
  • Try scattershot proofing.
  • Read it out loud.
  • Use technology.
12. When will you organize a document spatially?
  • Spatial Organization should be used when you describe what you see as it appears in space. Spatial sequences are used to help your readers visualize what you see.

13. Why would you organize chronologically?
  • You would use this type of organization if you were in need of putting things together for a timeline. Such as a maintenance schedule you would want to make sure all dates and timew were chronologically entered.

14. What is the effect of organization by importance?
  • The effect you have is that you are taking advantage of good real estate on the page. You are putting the key information in a place where readers will key in on it and take advantage of the good information.

15. When is comparison/contrast used effectively in a business document?
  • It is normally used to show ways in which you would be able to surpass a large competitor.

16. How can you use problem/solution in a document?
  • You can use them in proposals in a business, or you can use them in sales letters in order to straighten things out or bring up issues.

17. What do you consider when you focus on the legal aspect of a document?
  • When focusing on the legal aspect of a document, you should consider liability, negligence, and consumer protection laws.

18. What do you consider when you focus on the practical aspect of a document?
  • When focusing on the practical aspect of a document, you must be truthful and state the facts.

19. What do you consider when you focus on the ethical aspect of a document?
  • When focusing on the ethical aspect of a document, your document should be written to promote customer welfare. Also, avoid plagiarism and know Copyright laws.

20. What are three things you consider when you follow the guidelines for ethical standards?
  • Use simple and direct language.
  • Always remember the readers. Write so the reader can understand my text.
  • Improve my professional competence. Avoid plagiarizing, professional courtesy, respect for others' right to confidentiality, a sense of responsibility for my work, and the ability to write clearly and precisely.